The Subway® Story
Where it All Began
The partners opened their first restaurant in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in August of 1965, where they served freshly-made, customizable and affordable sandwiches to local guests.
Creating a Strong System
By 1974, Fred and Dr. Buck owned and operated 16 submarine sandwich shops throughout Connecticut. But, to take the brand even further and reach their 32-restaurant goal in time, the pair decided to begin franchising — a business model that launched the Subway® brand into a period of incredible growth and popularity.
Guiding Principles
- Always provide exceptional service to valued guests
- Offer high-quality, flavourful menu options at a great value
- Never stop evolving to improve the Subway® brand
Subway® Today
Today, Subway® has grown to become one of the world’s largest restaurant brands, serving customisable and signature sandwiches, wraps and salads to millions of guests, across more than 100 countries in more than 37,000 restaurants every day. Subway® restaurants are owned and operated by a franchisee network that includes more than 20,000 dedicated entrepreneurs and small business owners – who are all committed to delivering the best guest experience possible in their local communities.
RELATED CONTENT
Our Tribute to Fred DeLuca
From his humble beginnings to the creation of a sandwich empire.
Our Tribute to Dr. Peter Buck
His legacy will continue to live on through the brand he worked so hard to build.
The 17 Year Old Entrepreneur
A recent high school graduate, 17 year old Fred DeLuca, and family friend Dr. Peter Buck team up to open their first submarine sandwich shop in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Originally called “Pete’s Super Submarines,” they sell 312 sandwiches the first day. The average cost of a sub was between 49 cents and 69 cents.
The Dream Team
Partners DeLuca and Buck formalize their partnership with Doctor’s Associates Inc. The name is derived from Dr. Buck, who holds a Ph.D., and the fact that DeLuca had initially hoped to earn enough money in the sandwich business to pay his college tuition and eventually become a doctor.
Welcome to Subway®
The Subway® name is used for the first time.
Fast Forward to Franchising
DeLuca and Buck decide that franchising is the best way to kick-start the chain’s growth. The first franchised Subway® restaurant opens in Wallingford, Connecticut.
It’s Snak Time
The “Snak” Sub sandwich is introduced. The name is later changed to the “6-inch.”
Picking Up Speed
The development of Subway® restaurants picks up, with the 200th restaurant opening in Renton, Washington.
Full speed ahead
In just one year, Subway® opens an astounding 100 restaurants, with the opening of the 300th location.
Fresh Out of the Oven
Subway® introduces freshly baked bread at U.S. restaurants.
Growing, Growing, Growing
Continuing its rapid growth, Subway® reaches a milestone of 1,000 restaurants now open, and the brand opens its first locations in Hawaii and The Bahamas.
5,000th Subway® Restaurant!
The Subway® restaurant chain reaches its goal of 5,000 restaurants with an opening in Texas. The first Subway® restaurant opens in Mexico.
Ireland Expansion
Subway® crosses the Atlantic Ocean to open its first restaurant in Ireland.
UK Expansion
Subway® goes further just one year later, opening its first restaurant in the UK.
100 UK Restaurants
Just 8 years after the first opened in the UK, Subway® passed the 100-restaurant milestone. By 2005, there was 500 restaurants across the country.
Subway® Celebrates 2,000th Restaurant Opening
Subway® brand celebrated the opening of its 2,000th restaurant in the UK and Ireland, with a new restaurant in the Jarman Leisure Park in Hemel Hempstead. There are now more than 2,300 restaurants across the UK and Ireland.
Subway® Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Subway® celebrates its 25th anniversary of operating in the UK and Ireland.
Subway® Series Launches in the UK and Ireland
On May 31st, Subway® brought the new Subway® Series menu, offering two ways to Subway®, to all restaurants in the UK and Ireland. Guests now can choose from a choice of specially crafted and mouth-watering ready to order recipes or create their own.